Quinshon Judkins, the Cleveland Browns’ 36th overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, had yet to sign his rookie contract when his NFL future was put on indefinite hold. His seemingly tumultuous life off the field has led to things falling apart.
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After a tragic series of injuries brought an end to the Nick Chubb era in Cleveland, the Browns were hoping to find their next franchise rusher in Judkins. But, amid ongoing legal troubles involving battery and domestic violence charges, the Browns are now asking Judkins to stay at home for the time being.
This has left the back door wide open for Dylan Sampson. During a recent appearance on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, Cecil Shorts III suggested that the former Vols star may be a name to keep an eye on throughout Cleveland’s training camp.
“I think Dylan Sampson is somebody to watch. I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, but I think, with the legal situation, we don’t know what the NFL is going to do, [and] we don’t know what’s going on with all of that. I think Sampson has a real opportunity to step up. He was so productive at Tennessee,” said the former wide receiver.
According to the former Jacksonville Jaguar, Sampson may be “overlooked,” but the Browns could begin to “expect more from him if Judkins cannot play early on.”
Judkins had become one of the many notable rookies from this year’s draft who refrained from signing rookie contracts in hopes of receiving more guaranteed money. While that would initially cause frustrations for the Browns’ front office more so than anyone else, it now seems as if Judkins will be the one to suffer from the holdout.
The result of his case, in addition to the fact that he will likely receive some sort of suspension from the NFL itself, will now be factored into his future negotiations with the Browns. If there are any to be had, that is.
Nevertheless, the ongoing debacle has left Sampson with an opportunity to immediately surge his way up the depth chart. He figured to be nothing more than a change-of-pace option in the run game, but a standout performance with first-team reps in training camp could be enough to help Sampson claim a starting workload in the opening weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, the tale of Judkins serves as both a cautionary tale and an example of what can happen when preparation meets opportunity.
